I agree with #2. My 14yo daughter asked for a CD player for Christmas eventhough she has a phone to stream music 24/7. She said CD's 'are cool'. She also enjoys hands-on activities that don't involve a phone or computer. I'm not sure why but based on what I'm seeing, kids are enjoying the analog life.
omg I love this! I honestly miss the days of mix tapes and just listening to music from your physical collection... it was much more intentional. It'd be cool if it went in that direction, and better for the artists creating the recordings, too.
I would love it too! I always felt like the appeal of social media, digital info, and nonstop news would be a bubble that burst. Maybe that's starting to happen.
I think a lot of content creators will be happy if #3 proves right. Having to niche down to be discovered by audiences (yes, I’m talking about you, YouTube!) can make creating content frustrating and boring…
This feels spot on. The move toward individual ecosystems and interest-based communities explains why writing-first platforms are resonating again. It feels like a modern return to the blog era of the 2010s.
Thank you for sharing this. I am seeing Gen Alpha, GenZ, and younger millenials wanting more in real life experiences, opportunities to learn and connect with others through others. I am very keen on this trend. Some elements will swing back to analog. I am really thinking about “third places” as business opportunities to bring people together.
100%, Substack is interesting and different. You can’t fake writing, no serious readers will entertain it, it’s the truth, not like video and doom scrolling.
This was awesome Gary. You helped me build my photography business in 2016 🙏🏻 and I had to burn it all down last year when I had my third baby but I’m quietly dreaming of something new and the idea of curiosity content was 💡💡💡thank you!!!
Thank you Gary for everything ❤️ I'm Malika La Bendita, I'm Moroccan (Go Trend #4!) and I hope some day you'll take a listen to my music where ArabPop meets LatinPop. Launched this music career after 9years in the corporate life, and thanks to you. Have the most wonderful 2026. And thanks for the insights ✨
This was an epic read Gary! I’ve been on the same page as you about showing up as your multifaceted self for a long time. My favorite story about this is from my LinkedIn account. Every October I post daily Halloween shots and that definitely stops the feed over there. In fact one VP came across one of my Halloween shots and also loves Halloween and had to come look at my profile. He saw where I worked and was like, we sell antennas to the military, I’ve never heard of this company before. They ended up buying $50,000 of products that first year and have become a reseller for us.
Thanks for the Africa tip too, I’m going there this spring and can’t wait to experience it.
Looking forward to #6
Bang on❗️ can’t wait for 2026
I really enjoyed the last two. You talked about these a lot in 2019 when we were obsessed with sports cards again and esports was growing fast.
I agree with #2. My 14yo daughter asked for a CD player for Christmas eventhough she has a phone to stream music 24/7. She said CD's 'are cool'. She also enjoys hands-on activities that don't involve a phone or computer. I'm not sure why but based on what I'm seeing, kids are enjoying the analog life.
omg I love this! I honestly miss the days of mix tapes and just listening to music from your physical collection... it was much more intentional. It'd be cool if it went in that direction, and better for the artists creating the recordings, too.
I would love it too! I always felt like the appeal of social media, digital info, and nonstop news would be a bubble that burst. Maybe that's starting to happen.
🙏 ESPECIALLY the nonstop news!
I think it’s a great idea to diversify your “brand” with your uniqueness.
20 years ago, having a website set you apart as a business.
NOW what sets you apart is being human. 🔥
The social era of books 🔜
Say more
I think a lot of content creators will be happy if #3 proves right. Having to niche down to be discovered by audiences (yes, I’m talking about you, YouTube!) can make creating content frustrating and boring…
This feels spot on. The move toward individual ecosystems and interest-based communities explains why writing-first platforms are resonating again. It feels like a modern return to the blog era of the 2010s.
Thank you for sharing this. I am seeing Gen Alpha, GenZ, and younger millenials wanting more in real life experiences, opportunities to learn and connect with others through others. I am very keen on this trend. Some elements will swing back to analog. I am really thinking about “third places” as business opportunities to bring people together.
I literally read this in your voice in my head… it’s written exactly the way you speak which is pretty common advice for writers hahah. Loved it.
So stoked you’re on substack
100%, Substack is interesting and different. You can’t fake writing, no serious readers will entertain it, it’s the truth, not like video and doom scrolling.
This was awesome Gary. You helped me build my photography business in 2016 🙏🏻 and I had to burn it all down last year when I had my third baby but I’m quietly dreaming of something new and the idea of curiosity content was 💡💡💡thank you!!!
Thank you Gary for everything ❤️ I'm Malika La Bendita, I'm Moroccan (Go Trend #4!) and I hope some day you'll take a listen to my music where ArabPop meets LatinPop. Launched this music career after 9years in the corporate life, and thanks to you. Have the most wonderful 2026. And thanks for the insights ✨
This was an epic read Gary! I’ve been on the same page as you about showing up as your multifaceted self for a long time. My favorite story about this is from my LinkedIn account. Every October I post daily Halloween shots and that definitely stops the feed over there. In fact one VP came across one of my Halloween shots and also loves Halloween and had to come look at my profile. He saw where I worked and was like, we sell antennas to the military, I’ve never heard of this company before. They ended up buying $50,000 of products that first year and have become a reseller for us.
Thanks for the Africa tip too, I’m going there this spring and can’t wait to experience it.
Happy new year!
This article goes HARD. Thanks for bringing me to Substack, I am excited about this! 🤟🏼